Summer Barefooting and Cross Training
Posted by scott on July 6, 2010
We are finally getting into some great weather and, as usual, I am distracted with many things other than running. My big plans for the very long runs (30+ miles) get replaced with 3 hour runs and trips to the beach/pool/cabin/lacrosse/etc for family fun. And it’s a great trade!
photo credit: jiaren on flickr
I decided to hit barefooting hard this summer and am doing most runs barefoot, and then some in FiveFingers. I haven’t worn “real” shoes since I crossed the finish line at Zumbro, and I’m having a blast! I have had a few blisters here and there when I took the pace up too fast, but for the most part no problems whatsoever.
I had my real test last week when I carefully packed my running supplies to run home from my son’s lacrosse game in Coon Rapids – hydration pack, S! Caps, food, TP, map, etc. – and then left it all at home when we left in a hurry. I was so bummed when I realized this at the game! But then I got to thinking… I had put my running shorts on under my clothes for an easy change afterwards, and I had worn my Garmin. I had a phone, wallet, and sandals – did I really need anything more? No! So I kissed wifey goodbye and hit the pavement barefoot for 18 miles home. I carried my sandals to put on for buying aid in stores and chowed my way home. The pace was slow and my feet were pretty tender when I got home, but it was an exciting experience to go that far barefoot. No blisters, cuts, etc. No sore muscles, joints, etc. I had been waiting to clear 30 miles before signing up for Sawtooth, but after that run, I’m all in!
My summer is also filed with cross training and I love it. A lot of people say there really is no cross training for running, but I believe otherwise. I think anything balance oriented is great cross training. I have been hitting the wakeboard (no crashes this year), and doing a bit of yoga.
I also picked up an Indo Board and am loving it. It’s way more interesting to me than the bosu ever was, and it looks cooler! 
Its been hard to get the hang of it but I’m up to doing 15 uninterrupted full squats now. Next up – hanging 10!
Damien Tougas said
Hey cool, congrats on the Indo board, I think it is great cross training for a variety of sports that require strong feet and ankles. If you ever get the opportunity, you should try it at a standing desk when working on the computer.
scott said
Yeah, I think I need to get one of the bosu-like discs that you have for that. I can’t picture myself getting much done trying to do it with the roller! But my son likes to read while he stands on it, leaning on the back of a chair, so maybe I just need to get more creative. It’s such a blast, though, I love it.
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